Best Turkish Street Foods in Turkey
What are the best Turkish street foods in Turkey? Discover Turkey's street food delights: simit, döner kebab, balık ekmek, kokoreç, midye dolma, kumpir, lahmacun, Maraş dondurması, and more flavorful bites!
Turkish Street Foods in Turkey
Turkey is famous for its rich street food culture, offering a variety of delicious options. Here’s a detailed list of the best Turkish street foods:
Turkey's Best Street Food Delights:
1. Simit (Turkish Bagel)
A circular bread covered with sesame seeds. Crispy on the outside, soft inside.
- Where to Find Street vendors, especially near parks and busy streets.
- Best With Turkish tea or ayran (yogurt drink).
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2. Döner (Turkish Kebab)
Thinly sliced meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Types döner kebab:
- Dürüm Döner Wrapped in flatbread.
- Pilav Üstü Döner Served over rice.
- Ekmek Arası Döner Served in bread.
Where to Find Everywhere, from small stands to high-end restaurants.
3. Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Grilled fish fillet served in a sandwich with onions, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Where to Find Near harbors, especially in Istanbul's Eminönü district.
- Best With Pickled vegetables and a glass of şalgam (fermented turnip juice).
4. Kokoreç
Spiced lamb intestines grilled on a skewer, chopped, and served in bread.
- Where to Find Late-night food stalls and casual eateries.
- Best With Pickles and spicy seasoning.
5. Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
Mussels filled with spiced rice, herbs, and pine nuts, served with lemon juice.
- Where to Find Street vendors in seaside cities like Izmir and Istanbul.
6. Kumpir (Loaded Baked Potato)
A large baked potato stuffed with toppings like cheese, sausage, olives, corn, and pickles.
Where to Find Popular in Istanbul’s Ortaköy area.
7. Gözleme
A thin, hand-rolled flatbread filled with ingredients like cheese, spinach, potatoes, or meat, then cooked on a griddle.
Where to Find Local markets and village-style eateries.
8. Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)
Thin flatbread topped with minced meat, herbs, and spices, baked in a wood-fired oven.
Best With Parsley, onions, and a squeeze of lemon.
9. Çiğ Köfte
Traditionally made with raw meat, now commonly vegan with bulgur, tomato paste, and spices. Served in lettuce leaves with lemon and pomegranate molasses.
Where to Find Çiğ köfte shops and street vendors.
10. Börek
Flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat.
Where to Find Bakeries and street stalls.
11. Tavuk Pilav (Chicken and Rice)
Simple but filling dish with seasoned rice, shredded chicken, and chickpeas.
Where to Find Street food carts in major cities.
12. Maraş Dondurması (Turkish Ice Cream)
Stretchy, chewy ice cream made with salep and goat milk. Vendors often perform fun tricks while serving.
Where to Find Ice cream stands, especially in tourist areas.
13. Lokma (Fried Dough Bites)
Sweet, deep-fried dough balls soaked in syrup.
Where to Find Street vendors and dessert shops, often sold during festivals or religious events.
Enjoy your Turkish street food!
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